Hydrocotyle. Thick-leaved Pennywort, Indian Pennywort. Hydrocotyle asiatica.
Hydrocotyle. Hydrocotyle asiatica L. Thick-leaved Pennywort. Indian Pennywort. Bevilacqua, Fr. Wassernabel, G.—This is a small umbelliferous plant growing in Southern Africa and in India, where it has long been used as an alterative; it is apparently indigenous also in the Southern United States. Jules Lepine discovered in it a peculiar oleaginous substance, vellarin, having a strong odor recalling that of the plant, and a bitter, pungent, and persistent taste. (J. P. C; 1885, 49.) It is said to be diuretic, and has been given in fever and bowel complaints; also in syphilitic and scrofulous affections. (P. J; 1860.)
C. Daruty de Grandpre (Nouv. Rem., April 8, 1888) finds that in small doses it is an energetic stimulant, and that in large doses it is narcotic, producing stupor, headache, and in some persona vertigo with a tendency to coma.
